Why GCash is planting trees at the Ipo Watershed

Earlier this year, Manila was gripped by a water crisis. At its peak, large parts of Metro Manila had zero water supply, prompting water rationing from local governments and concessionaires. There were viral videos of condominium dwellers fetching water from their pools and barangay residents fighting around water trucks. 

It was traced to the late onset of the rainy season, coupled with demand that has outgrown available infrastructure. Much was heard about the then declining water supply at the Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, and the La Mesa Dam, the emergency reservoir.

But there wasn’t much talk about the Ipo Watershed, the deforestation of which is believed to be one of the root causes of depleted water supply in the reservoirs. 

The Ipo watershed was declared a protected area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) but forest cover in the watershed is now only at 40%, a drastic drop from 85% several years ago, according to WWF-Philippines. 

Metro Manila relies on the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watershed system for nearly all of its water supply (98 percent, to be exact). This makes it imperative to prevent the watershed’s further degradation, which has been blamed on human activities such as illegal logging and charcoal-making by illegal settlers in the area. 

The Philippines’ leading mobile wallet GCash has partnered with WWF-Philippines for the reforestation of the Ipo watershed, aiming to plant 365,000 trees in a year. The partnership launched GCash Forest in June, a feature in the GCash app that allows users to plant trees at the Ipo watershed using green energy points. 

Green energy points are earned through frequent use of the app in transactions such as scan to pay and bank transfers, among others. Green energy may also be earned through shifting to more environment-friendly everyday practices, including switching to reusable food containers and utensils in place of single-use plastics. 

On Oct. 12, GCash brought its first batch of tree-planters to the Ipo watershed to plant yakal trees within the 300 hectares that GCash has adopted for GCash Forest in Norzagaray, Bulacan. These were GCash users who had earned over 20,000 green energy points. 

WWF-Philippines will monitor the growth of trees planted by GCash and identify other native tree species suitable for planting in the watershed. 

Through GCash Forest, GCash users are able to do good by Mother Earth while at the same time helping ensure water supply for themselves and future generations.

J's Diamond Grand Launch at Ayala Malls Manila Bay

J's Diamond Grand Launch
at Ayala Malls, Manila Bay 

Grand Launch of J's Diamond Ayala Malls, Manila Bay Flagship branch (from left to right (Marion Uno, Noah, Samuel, J's Diamond Executives, Enzo, P.rinz, Sage Nathan and Andrej Euan.

Last October 17, 2019, J's Diamond a renowned jewelry brand that originated in Hong Kong and has established itself in the Philippines since 2012  held a grand opening of its fourth boutique, in one of the luxurious malls in the country, Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

The flagship store presented a sensational showcase of their latest captivating designs. Their new boutique possesses the unintimidating yet modish atmosphere, emanating the millennial vibe. It is designed to mirror the magnificence of their modern jewelry collection and to shine a light on their flawless creations that are well-crafted by professional artisans. 

J's Diamond Grand Launch at Ayala Malls, Manila Bay Ribbon Cutting by J's Diamond Executives.

J’s Diamond initially started with an exquisite collection of timeless pieces of rings tailored for engagement and wedding occasions. It has been patronized by customers for its specialty in bridal accessories and for the refined and sophisticated craftsmanship of its jewelry pieces.

J's Diamond Grand Launch
at Ayala Malls, Manila Bay 

The stylish and classy jewelry pieces are always fashioned to celebrate the gift of love. Each piece is purposely created to symbolize the different values – a love that lasts for a lifetime, a joy that is profound, an undying devotion, and steadfast loyalty and fidelity. 

Find a treasure trove of bedazzling pieces of jewelry that you will forever adore only in J’s Diamond.  

Visit Js Diamond branches at Lucky Chinatown, SM  Dasmarinas, LSM Southmall and  Ayala Malls, Manila Bay.

J's Diamond Grand Launch at Ayala Malls, Manila Bay 

WHITE CHAMPORADO

Ingredients:

½ cup glutinous rice, rinsed well.
5 cups water
1 pc pandan leaf, tied (optional)
1 pc125ml NESTLÉ® All Purpose Cream
½ small can condensed milk (108g)
¼ cupsugar
4 tbspMILO® powder

Preparation:

1. Simmer glutinous rice in water with pandan (optional) while covered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

2. Stir in NESTLÉ® All Purpose Cream, condensed milk, and sugar.

3. Pour into serving bowls and top with MILO® powder. Serve warm.

Celebrate With The Whole Fam At Kidzania Manila’s “Halloween Funfair”

On its greatest Halloweek yet, KidZania Manila transforms into a ‘carnival’ for a grand “Halloween FunFair,” giving families a lively bonding experience from October 29 to November 3. 

BGC’s premier play city holds thrilling games for this year’s All Hallow’s Eve celebration, incorporating carnival games like buzz wire, target shooting, tic tac toe, and ring toss for non-spooky, wholesome activities for everyone.     

There will be a Treat Jamboree exclusive for BKidZanian CitiZens where kids, with the help of their parents, can get as many treats as they can within a specified amount of time. Expect goodies from event partners McDonald’s, Milo, Milo Nuggets, Jack ‘n Jill Chiz Curls, Quake Overload, Presto, Cream-O, Magic Creams, X.O., Dynamite, Lush, Goldilocks, and Oishi Lava Chips. 

Adventure-seekers, meanwhile, will be thrilled to become astounding performers, splendid artists, magnificent tightrope walkers, and more as the jobs are tweaked for the circus at many KidZania establishments.

Come in colorful costumes or dress up as your favorite non-scary characters for the Halloween costume contest happening on Oct. 31 (Thursday). The Best Boy in Costume and Best Girl in Costume will receive cool prizes from Toy Kingdom and Jack n’ Jill, while the Best Family in Costume will win an overnight stay for two adults and two kids in Seda BGC. 

The Halloweek celebration is one of the well-loved festivities at KidZania Manila, one of the world’s most inventive, most awarded, and fastest-growing kids’ educational entertainment concepts. It operates under ABS-CBN Themed Experiences Inc., a subsidiary of the country’s leading media and entertainment company that seeks to bring unique Kapamilya experiences in engaging and interactive themed attractions.

Want to take full advantage of the weeklong fun? Get the Halloween FunFair Pass (P3,740), an unlimited pass for one adult and one kid valid for six days from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3. For more details, visit manila.kidzania.com or follow the Play City’s social media accounts (Facebook & Instagram) @kidzaniamanila.

Banana Kitkat Ref Cake

Running out of ideas for merienda? Yesterday, I whipped up a delicious and creamy snack for the family - Banana Kitkat Ref Cake.

Simple yet special because it is made with love and made even more special with the New Nestle All Purpose Cream 125ml pack. Yes. The brand we use in fiestas, holidays and special gatherings Nestle All Purpose Cream is available in a smaller pack for simple feasts to cap off daily wins of the family.

There are a lot of creamy creations at www.createwithcream.ph Check it out now! It's so easy, I'm gonna do some of it now!

BANANA KITKAT REF CAKE

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: Overnight
Recipe Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients:

12 pcs graham crackers, crushed
3 tbspbutter, melted
1 tbspsugar
1 pack250ml NESTLÉ® All Purpose Cream
2/3 cupcondensed milk
2 pcs ripe banana, sliced
2 packs 4-finger KITKAT®, crushed

Preparation:

1. Mix graham crackers, butter, and sugar. Divide into 2 portions. Lightly press 1 portion at the bottom of a serving container. Line with sliced banana. (10 minutes)
2. Whip NESTLÉ® All Purpose Cream until light. Mix ¾ of the KITKAT® and condensed milk. Fold in whipped cream. Pour half of the mixture in the container. (10 minutes)
3. Repeat layers of graham mixture and KITKAT® cream mixture. (5 minutes)
4. Top with ¼ of the crushed KITKAT® and refrigerate overnight. Serve well chilled. (overnight)

Make Saturdays twice as fun with Rebisco Topps Sarap Toppstar TV Season 2 only at GMA Network

Mark your calendars!

Starting October 5, your ordinary Saturdays will be filled with fun as GMA Network and Rebisco Topps Sarap bring back the musical-variety program, Toppstar TV featuring the cute and talented Toppstar Kids for Kapuso viewers.

The second season of the program promises twice the excitement, laughter and performances as the Toppstar batch 1 kids welcome a new breed of kiddie stars on the show.

The kids, who were chosen from Rebisco’s on-ground talent search all over the Philippines, will come together to showcase their skills in singing, dancing and hosting to bring out the “topps” in every kid.

As part of the brand’s commitment to bring out the best in every child, every segment of the show is created to ensure that we deliver this: the Toppstar Performance showcases the kids’ talent in singing and dancing; the Toppstar Games allows the kids to play while learning new skills; the Toppstar Laughs lets kids have fun showing their comedic talents while learning wholesome jokes, and the on-cam conversations in-between that hone the kids’ talents in hosting and interview.

To complement the Saturday morning episodes, Topps Sarap will mount school tours across Metro Manila.  Video snippets of these visits will be featured on the show.

Make Saturdays twice as fun with Topps Sarap Toppstar TV Season 2.

Starts October 5, from 9:15 to 9:45 AM on GMA, and with replays every Sunday at 5:00 to 5:30 PM on GMA News TV.

Nailaholics 4th National Pampering Day, a self-care that saves.

Nailaholics has a special place in my heart. My mommy and I spent a lot of bonding time together at Nailaholics during good times and not-so good times. The place will always be special to me, and I will support their advocacies. 

On its 4th year of celebrating National Pampering Day, the day of pampering is turned into an ecologically saving act tied up with self-care. 

This October 17, 2019, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, all Nailaholics branches nationwide will be generously giving FREE SERVICES to its customers who would make a Php50 donation to its cause. Participants may avail of a FREE Manicure, Foot spa, or Foot massage with every donation, where all the proceeds will go to its partner beneficiary, Save Philippine Seas Organization. 

.

As the world’s second largest archipelago, the Philippines has over 7,100 islands. Unsurprisingly, we Filipinos depend on the sea for livelihood, tourism, economy, and basically most of our lives. Thus, it is only essential for us to practice environmental conservation diligently – in many ways we can. 

 “This year we want to go beyond the usual discounted promotions we give to our clients. This year is all about encouraging our new and loyal customers alike, to engage in this more meaningful act of self-care – a self-care that saves. Contrary to the common perception, caring for oneself is not a selfish act. And we want our customers to feel that while they take care of their own bodies and prioritize their well-being, they can also simultaneously value our environment and summon changes in our lifestyle to protect the planet.” passionately claimed by Ms. Abby Borja, Head of Marketing of R2 Group of Exclusive Brands, Inc.   

Indeed, employing kindness to oneself should translate into caring for our planet and vice versa. By choosing the right sustainable lifestyle changes, we can all empower each other to make a change. That is the advocacy Nailaholics wants to impart. 

The advocasea does not end there. In aiming to create a holistic approach, Nailaholics will literally dive into action. A special raffle promo awaits the participants of the National Pampering Day wherein one lucky donor will win an all-expense paid trip to Siargao. Siargao Island is named the best island in the world and it practices respectable eco-tourism. 

In this special promo, one lucky winner and a companion will not only appreciate the marine life and splendour of our own Philippine seas, but also be able to join a beach clean-up program led by S.E.A. Movement, and volunteer at the Siargao Art Recycling Studio. This is really the complete environmental awareness package that will immerse a willing participant. 

Now it’s up to you, nailaholic! We all can take active part in this movement of caring for ourselves while caring for Mother Earth. We only have one planet, we only have one home. There is no planet B so love your own. 

When you choose yourself, you choose right. Choose self-care that saves. 

It’s time to make your wave, one sea at a time! 💛

Money transfer tips from a frugal mama

I am someone you may call stingy. I count down to the cent when I compare prices. Shampoo A is more expensive by P2.25 than Shampoo B? Then B it is. 

When it comes to my banking activities, it’s the same. Given the choice between a long queue on my bank’s ATM and no queue at another bank’s cash machine, I always opt to fall in line to avoid the withdrawal charges. 

I’ve brought this habit to my online transactions. Over the past year, I’ve found myself relying more and more on online shopping: it saves time and spares me the trouble of traffic. From clothing to personal hygiene items, I buy what I need—and what I occasionally want—from social sellers and online shops.

Thing is, the merchants I deal with use different bank accounts, while I only use one for online shopping so for a while it was a problem; I was incurring bank charges! I have long been a BPI user, and fund transfer to other banks costs P50 each. That could cover the shipping fee! The frugal/practical side of me ached every time I made fund transfers to merchants. 

Around summer time, I heard that GCash had developed an app which made it easier to use! I used it manually before and later via *143# but having it as an app made it cooler! At first, I thought the mobile wallet was exclusive for Globe, but it works in all networks! So I downloaded it immediately and checked how it could help address my issue. And you know how much it charges for bank transfers? ZERO. Nil. NADA. I couldn’t be happier!

I did the math. It’s good I kept my online receipts. In the first four months of the year, I had a monthly average of four online purchases that involved payments to banks other than BPI. That meant I was charged P50 16 times. That amounts to P800 over months. 

If I had kept it up for the rest of the year, that would mean paying P50 for 48 times over 12 months. This means an extra cost of P2,400! That’s a decent pair of shoes or jacket! 

I was just so thankful I found out about GCash app. Now, I can make bank transfers without spending extra money I could use elsewhere. This frugal mama is happy—and hunting for a new pair of boots for our autumn trip!

Duck Day Manila 2019 : Philippines' Donny’s Choice and Thailand's BR Group Partnership

We recently heard the news on why pigs died in the areas of Rizal & Quezon City - African Swine Fever. Even if they say it's safe to eat pork, I still won't have it on the menu. We stick to fish, chicken and veggies.

I discovered something that can replace pork which is also red meat, but it contains higher amounts of iron than other poultry - duck meat.

Duck is a lean meat – comparable in fat and calories to a skinless chicken or turkey breast. It's also an excellent source of selenium and zinc, both of which encourage good cellular metabolism.

Last Sept 10, Donny’s Choice fresh seafood, the Philippines largest seafood company and BR Group Thailand, the world’s largest purveyor of ducks collaborated in this years’ grandest product launch, DUCK DAY MANILA 2019 at Conrad Hotel & Resort.

This amazing partnership together with delegates from Victoria, Laguna (Itik Festival) also proposes  September 10 to be known as NATIONAL DUCK DAY in the Philippines. 

The successful event showcased the extravagant Philippine and Thailand cultures through traditional dances, songs from Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Champion, Janine Berdin and delectable cuisines from this side of the globe.

Mouthwatering food demonstrations and palatable presentations of dishes made from Dalee, BR Group’s major duck brand were featured via the gifted hands of Pinoy celebrity Chefs, Gene Gonzalez, Rosebud Benitez and Pablo “Boy” Logro together with the equally amazing Executive Chef from Thailand, Chef Willment and Peking Duck Master, Chef Choi from China.

Great food and huge raffle prizes surprised guests from media (digital and mainstream), retail partners and from the business sector.

Mr. Donny Yeung, Donny's Choice chairman

Donny’s Choice is headed by its chairman, Mr. Donny Yeung and BR Group Vice Chairman and Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Mr. Joseph Suchaovanich.

If your goal is to eat better from now on, then duck is the protein for you. 

All there DALEE Ready to Eat Duck products will be available in groceries and supermarkets this October! 

Hair care habits for a healthy crowning glory

Hair can tell so much about a person. More than being an instant confidence booster, it is a crown that mirrors someone’s personality, mood, and even health.

Factors such as air pollution and hair styling tools can damage hair that even regular shampoo alone cannot undo. To help you untangle the woes when it comes to your hair, Lamoiyan Corporation, maker of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, lists down easy peasy hair care habits for a healthy crowning glory.

Brush your hair every day

Brushing your hair every day helps increase blood circulation in the scalp, strengthen the roots to reduce hair loss, and allow natural oils to go down the length of the hair. It is best to start from the ends before brushing from the roots to effectively remove the tangles. However, avoid overbrushing as it might break hair strands, especially when using plastic brushes.

Style your hair with care

While it is exciting to try different hairstyles using heat styling tools as curling wands and straightening irons, it is advised to use it less often to prevent hair split ends and damage. As much as possible, let your hair air-dry and minimize tying it up tightly to avoid unnecessary pressure to the hair shaft which can eventually cause breakage and hair fall.

Invest in a good conditioner

A good conditioner can do wonders to one’s hair. Conditioner is a moisturizing agent that replenishes hair’s moisture after oils are stripped by regular use of shampoo. The use of conditioner also allows our hair to become stronger, shinier, and it offers protection from UV rays. Aside from everyday conditioning, it is also recommended to deep condition at least once a week. When applying, focus on the mid-length up to the ends of the hair as applying conditioner on the roots can cause our hair to become oily, heavy, and itchy.

Eating healthy is key

Eating healthy provides our hair with the proper nutrients it needs such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Eggs, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish are only some examples of food that can provide our hair with lots of vitamins.

Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated also gives our hair moisture. Having a healthy diet gives us the energy to be stress-free and allows us to have the time to take care not only of ourselves but also of our hair!

Sharing personal hair care items is a no-no

Sharing is not always caring. Not sharing of personal hair care items is a tip that is often overlooked.

From hair towel, hair bands, ponytails, to hair combs, these items should be used only by one user. Borrowing or sharing any of these items can potentially spread head lice, which is denitely the last thing you’d want your hair to go through. Should there be early symptoms of head lice infestation like itchiness and appearance of nits or egg on hair strands, using the proper treatment such as head lice treatment shampoo can be your best friend. Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo is a non-toxic and clinically proven shampoo that effectively kills lice and nits after two weeks when used twice a week which also conditions the hair to keep it smooth.

Having beautiful and healthy hair does not happen overnight. It takes small habits to make a big difference to your crowning glory and achieve good hair days everyone dreams of.

To know more about Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.